In The Unexpected Adventure: Taking Everyday Risks to Talk With People About Jesus (978-0-310-28392-8, $14.99, Zondervan), releasing this month, Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg seek to convey the joy and fulfillment of personal evangelism.

Written in a devotional-type format and divided into 42-day “adventures,” the pair takes turns introducing readers to significant moments they’ve experienced when sharing the gospel. In the book’s introduction, Strobel calls evangelism “the missing ingredient” in the lives of many Christians who report going through times of spiritual dryness. A passion for reaching unbelievers not only translates into renewed Christian devotion but also spills over into a more dedicated focus on Bible study, prayer life, worship and dependence on God, he asserts.

“I’ve never heard anyone complain by saying, ‘My spiritual life is so dry right now; it’s like I’m living in a desert,’ and then add, ‘Oh, by the way, I’m actively trying to reach a friend for Christ,’ ” Strobel writes.

The pair’s stories follow the theme of “unexpected adventures”—times when the authors followed openings to talk about their faith, which in turn brought about dynamic life changes, such as the time Strobel felt compelled to witness to a co-worker who seemed reluctant to listen. Years later, he was approached by a person who’d received Christ as a result of that conversation—not the co-worker, but rather a man Strobel hadn’t even noticed was listening.

“Who could have foreseen that, except for an amazing God of grace?” Strobel asks.

The authors also address the fears and hesitancies some might have in reaching out to unbelievers.

Zondervan is planning a major national broadcast and print publicity campaign as well as print and online advertising. The book will also be a part of a “Summer Reading” church leadership and small group campaign by Zondervan.

To order, call Zondervan at 800-727-1309, or visit www.zondervan.com.

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